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Richard J Kinch Richard J Kinch is offline
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Default Air Distribution

rigger writes:

If you use copper or iron pipe you will find you can run your line
pressure up to 160# or above. Even though you may not want
or need the high pressure at your nozzles (etc.) you will find
your compressor will be starting and stopping 1/2 as much or
less which will extend the life of your compressor motor and
starting/running gear.


This is an utter waste of power. Use the minimum tank and line pressure
needed to achieve the pressure, volume, and regulation needed at the
tool(s).

Regulating 160 to 90 at the tool turns (160-90)/160 = 44 percent of the
compressor's power into waste heat.

The cost of a compressor is mostly in the electric power input, not the
capital cost of the unit, so this "extending the life" with higher tank and
line pressures is false economy.